2026 Emlenton Fireman’s Parade Grand Marshals

Gary and Tina Zychowski are the Grand Marshals for the 2026 Emlenton Fireman’s Summer Festival Parade.

Tina was raised in Emlenton and graduated from A-C Valley High School. They have five children Ray, Marianna, Amanda, Robbie, and John. Gary and Tina owned a Bowling Ally for 20 years. They were very involved with sports being coaches, spectators, and managers in whatever sport their children were participants from swimming, baseball, football, and any other activity.

In 1999 the Zychowski family moved to Emlenton. Right away Tina’s mother Betty Synder had Tina joined the Civic Club. She became active in the club helping with fund raisers and local events like Halloween Parade, Show Boat, and the Easter Egg Hunt.

Lois Orton asked Tina to be on the 2001 Summer Festival Committee. Eventually Tina was the Chairman of the Summer Festival Committee from 2009 until 2019. She and Gary worked together during those years organizing the Car Cruise, the Dog Show, Lumber Jack Show plus many other activities 2017 brought Summer Festival up on the Hill with some new events which included the Softball Tournament, Fishing Derby, and Duck Race. The parade was much longer than down town, it went from FRB to Hile Funeral Home.

In 2019 Tina and Gary decided to step back from the Chairman position but to do this they continue to help and advise the Summer Festival Committee. Gary retired from the Liquor Control Board in 2022. Tina has retired from Bert’s Auto after 20 years working for her brother.

Gary and Tina now look forward to spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the Outer Banks, and watching all Pittsburgh sports.